June is Men’s Health Month. We’re putting the focus on all our male patients and the families who love them. Guys, you may not think about your feet much, but they’re the foundation of your body, literally bearing your full weight every day. Our qualified podiatrists, Dr. Heidi M. Christie, and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts want to help you stay active by keeping your feet in great shape. Here are six ways you can take charge of your foot health:
Just have a look. When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your feet? Examine them all over with your eyes and fingers. Look and feel for signs of redness, swelling, or pain. Some specific things to look for include:
- Bumps on the skin – warts, corns, calluses, synovial cysts, and blisters may need professional care if they don’t go away with home treatments or show signs of infection. New moles or existing ones that change color or shape could point to skin cancer.
- Ingrown toenails – any nail that grows downward into the side of your nail bed can become painful and infected.
- Signs of a fungal infection, including athlete’s foot.
- Toes that bend, claw, or jut out in odd directions.
- Areas where you have any loss of feeling.
- Lose weight if you need to. Obesity and overweight put a lot of extra stress on your feet, putting you at a higher risk for problems like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis.
- Keep diabetes under control. Uncontrolled blood glucose is a threat to your feet, which you can read more about here.
- Control your sweat. Release sweaty, smelly feet from the solitary confinement of shoes. Air out your shoes daily. Wear socks made out of moisture-wicking materials such as olefin, polyester, and merino wool.
- Get a pedicure. You take your car in for routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly, right? Do the same for your feet. Treat them to an occasional pedicure at a licensed salon.
At Montgomery Foot Care Specialists, in Montgomery County, we provide caring, professional relief for all foot issues. Don’t wait to seek treatment for bumpy, itchy, infected, or painful feet. Call us at our office in Montgomery, Alabama at (334) 396-3668 or contact us online for an appointment.